Marcus hazel is touched by greatness. a rising star of the new coalition government, hollywood looks, formidable intellect, attractive wife and family - he has the full set. then suddenly it all starts to come undone when he is suspected of the murder of a young female researcher. when questioned he initially lies about his whereabouts to conceal a liaison with a high-class courtesan. realizing he is trapped between a murder charge and a career-ending scandal, in desperation he turns to his elder brother for help. tomas hazel is a serial under-achiever. a man whose values and behaviour reflect an earlier, more gentle age. against his better judgement he agrees to help his brother and soon finds himself caught up in a web of deception. as the detectives start to tighten the net, the old fashioned solicitor and the stunning courtesan form an unlikely alliance to try to establish the truth. to his increasing horror, tomas hazel realizes that his brother has been less than truthful.